Titans at Texans: 5 Questions the Texans Need Answered

Houston hometown star, Vince Young, usually burns defenses on his legs. His arm is not accurate but it gets the job done, and combined with his lethal speed he can easily rack in “W’s.” But VY’s problem is that if he plays against the Texans Sunday, he will be slowed by a strained right quadricep. The injury would slow anyone down enough for him not to run an OT finish past all 11 of the Texans defenders (remember last year). If he plays, then the Texans should expect short passes mixed with long bombs that VY exhibited at Texas. Offensive Cordinator Norm Chow has yet to bring out the complete playbook because the Titans are still learning the complexity of Chow’s offense. On the other hand, the struggling-of-late Texans defensive line, anchored by first round picks DE Mario Williams and DT Amobi Okoye, should have a fun time stopping the heavy and bruising Titans RB Lendale White. The Titans offensive line and Texans defensive line should be an entertaining match up if the Texans can contain VY.
2. Will Kris Brown have to score all the Texans points this week?

The kicker has scored over ¾ of the Texans overall points in the past three games. Besides his game winning FG against Miami, the Texans should only have to rely on Brown for extra point attempts, especially because the Texans have been in the Red Zone and came out empty handed or with just 3 points too many times to count. If Shaub and his receivers can step up further and learn to handle the starting role they may begin scoring TDs at will, as WR Andre Johnson did when he played in the first two games. Shaub has to see the End Zone better because the Texans are obviously failing in the Red Zone.
3. Will Titans LB Keith Bulluck slow down Texans TE Owen Daniels?

Owen Daniels has consistently improved since last season’s jump to the starting position for Gary Kubiak’s offense. Since Kubiak stressed a new offense to spark a win, I expect Daniels to continue making big grabs and moving the chains. The problem is that the Titans have an outstanding LB in Keith Bulluck. He’s their best defender and an excellent pass defender and run stopper. It is an important match up to see if Daniels can continue making strides and be able to pull in 6 or 7 grabs with at least 1 TD against a strong Defense.

4. Can Ahman Green finally have his 100-yard game?

OK, maybe rushing for 100 is a little hard against the Titans’ NFL best rushing defense. They average less than 64-yards per game to opponents, and Green hasn’t rushed for those yards since his first two games (73 and 71-yards respectively). Green still has it, no matter what anyone says, and I expect to see over 60 yards this week. The Texans need to consistently run the ball to stay in games. It’s the number one key to controlling the clock. He will be facing another nasty DLine while he tries to pass DT Albert Haynesworth. Haynesworth is a beast and stands at 6’6” and 320 lbs. Expect Haynesworth to give the Texans guards and center trouble. G Chester Pitts, who has never missed a game for the Texans, should be up to the challenge. But C Mike Flanagan has taken some heat since C Steve McKinney went to the IR. C Chris White may see some playing time, although putting in a young and inexperienced C (White) over an established veteran (Flanagan) is the closest thing to throwing in the towel.

5. Will the Texans secondary have the best game yet?

If VY, who’s a game-time decision according to Titans HC Jeff Fisher, is out then the Texans DLine should have a great time scarring always frightened QB Kerry Collins into making bad decisions. That big “IF” can have good consequences if the Texans DLine can penetrate pressure upon Collins which will leave Dunta Robinson, who hasn’t had a pick since Week 2, Fred Bennett, and DeMarcus Faggins with easy pickings. Safeties C.C. Brown and Von Hutchins are playing well against the run and pass. C.C. Brown, who picked off Cleo Lemon of the Dolphins, may become the Texans next best defensive leader if he continues on his monstrous season.

Next year, Texans will win both games against the Titans. This year, Texans will have to hope that VY does not play to have a chance of winning. With out a running game, the Titans are going to come after Matt, he going to look like Carr running for his life. Green will be of no help, he wont come close to a Benjamin all season long. Without McKinney, the line cant open the holes. Next year, we get better with a real running back. I say Titan 28 Texans 17
Tyrone